Novara (w) vs Perudja (w) on 20 January
On January 20th, two of the most potent forces in Italy’s Women’s Serie A1 Volleyball will face off in a highly anticipated clash as Novara (w) hosts Perugia (w). The match will be played in the iconic PalaNord arena, and both teams will have more than just pride at stake. Novara, sitting in the top half of the table, will be aiming to further cement their spot in the championship race, while Perugia, chasing vital points to secure their place in European competition next season, will enter the court with all to prove. Expect a battle that will not only test the technical prowess of both squads but also their tactical discipline and mental fortitude.
Novara (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Novara has been a well-oiled machine this season, with a solid mix of experienced veterans and rising stars. Their most recent form (4 wins, 1 loss in the last 5) has been impressive, with a powerful offense that revolves around their exceptional outside hitter, Paola Egonu, who has been in superb form, averaging over 5 points per set. Novara’s offense is primarily built around quick-tempo plays, using a 5-1 formation to spread the court and create attacking options from every angle. Their set plays are fast and unpredictable, often relying on Egonu’s ability to convert high-risk passes into powerful kills.
In terms of defensive organization, Novara operates with a solid block-and-dig system. Their middle blockers, particularly Miryam Sylla, play a crucial role in disrupting the opponent’s rhythm at the net, while Libero Monica De Gennaro has been a key component in receiving serves and keeping the ball alive. In their last match, Novara posted an impressive 63% passing efficiency, which allowed their setters to deliver quality balls to their attackers. However, their most vulnerable area is in transition defense, particularly when their attackers are slow to recover after attacking plays.
Injuries have been minimal for Novara, but the team will be without outside hitter Alessia Orro for this fixture. Her absence leaves a gap in the team's secondary attacking options, meaning the focus will solely be on Egonu and Sylla to deliver in offense. This could lead to a reliance on power and less finesse in their gameplay, making them potentially more predictable.
Perugia (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Perugia’s season has been one of inconsistency. With a 3-2 record in their last five matches, they have been unable to find a stable rhythm, often losing key matches against direct rivals. Nevertheless, they remain dangerous, especially when playing on the counter-attack. Perugia’s tactical approach revolves around their setter, Simona Gioli, whose ability to read the game and deliver precise sets to key players such as Jovana Brakocevic gives them an edge in offensive execution. Perugia typically uses a 4-2 system, which limits their offensive potential slightly but gives them the ability to switch formations mid-set to catch opponents off guard.
Defensively, Perugia relies on a strong block, led by their towering middle blocker Davide Reale. Their ability to neutralize the opponent’s power hitters with tight defensive systems has been a major asset this season, but their back-row defense remains the Achilles’ heel, with a passing efficiency that has fluctuated between 53-56% in recent matches. Perugia’s ability to cover deep tips and digs remains a question mark and could be exploited by Novara’s quick-set offense.
The return of outside hitter Francesca Piccinini from a brief injury absence is a boost for Perugia, providing experience and stability on the left side. However, their middle-blocking unit will need to rise to the occasion. They face one of the most formidable attacking lineups in the league in Novara, and how well they cope with Novara’s offensive variety will decide the outcome of the match.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In the last five encounters between these two teams, Novara holds a slight edge with 3 wins to Perugia’s 2. However, the psychological dynamic has shifted slightly, as Perugia managed a surprising 3-2 victory in their last meeting in December 2025. This win was significant because it highlighted Perugia's resilience in high-pressure moments, particularly their ability to execute under the service pressure that Novara often applies. The close nature of their encounters suggests that this match will likely be a tense affair, with both teams aware of how much is riding on the result.
In previous clashes, the games have been defined by tactical and emotional intensity. Novara’s defensive solidity and explosive offense often overpower Perugia’s defensive system, but when Perugia is at their best—especially in neutralizing strong outside hitters—they’ve proven capable of turning the tide. This dynamic will be key in shaping the next encounter.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The most pivotal individual duel will be at the net, where Mirjam Sylla of Novara will go head-to-head with Davide Reale of Perugia. Sylla’s offensive ability and speed will test Reale’s ability to block and shut down attacks. A key factor will be whether Sylla can find success against Perugia’s middle-blocking scheme, which has been one of their most reliable defensive weapons this season.
Another critical battle will be in the back-row defense, where Monica De Gennaro will need to outperform her Perugia counterpart, Libero Roberta Rizzo, in receiving serves and ensuring that Novara’s attackers are given clean sets. Given that both teams rely on aggressive serves and counter-attacking, the performance of these two Libero players will be key to the success or failure of their respective teams.
Finally, Novara’s quick-set offense versus Perugia’s slower 4-2 formation will decide the rhythm of the match. Novara’s ability to transition quickly and keep the tempo high will force Perugia to adapt, potentially dragging them into a faster, more intense game than they are comfortable with. Conversely, Perugia’s ability to disrupt Novara’s flow and slow the pace could swing the match in their favor.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Novara enters this game as the favorites. Their well-rounded tactical approach, with a focus on speed, defense, and Egonu’s offensive threat, gives them the upper hand. Perugia’s chances lie in their ability to force Novara into a slower, more controlled game. If they can limit the attacking opportunities for Egonu and disrupt Novara’s rhythm through solid blocking and defensive coverage, they might just have a chance.
However, with the firepower of Novara’s offense and their more consistent form, I predict a 3-1 victory for Novara, with key moments being shaped by the interplay between their middle blockers and outside hitters. Expect a competitive first two sets, but Novara’s ability to close out matches with strong serving and quick attacks will likely decide the outcome.
Final Thoughts
The outcome of this match will come down to one central question: Can Perugia withstand Novara’s offensive storm and impose their slower tempo on the game? The answer to this will determine whether they can pull off an upset or if Novara will march towards a comfortable victory. Both teams know the importance of this game, and all eyes will be on how they approach the crucial final set.
